CFD Simulation for Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC)

While simulation technology is already widely used in automotive, aerospace, and multiple other industries, its adoption in architecture and construction has been limited by a number of factors. The primary obstacles are the lack of affordable tools, as well as the specialized knowledge required to successfully use them.

Nonetheless, fluid flow simulation holds great promise for the AEC industry, giving architects and engineers the ability to predict and optimize the performance of buildings in the early stages of the design process. And with the recent efforts to democratize CFD technology, including the emergence of easy-to-use, cloud-based platforms with flexible pricing systems, tapping into its full potential is no longer an impossible task.

With the aid of CFD modeling, engineers in the AEC industry can:

Validate HVAC Systems and Parts

CFD can help HVAC engineers examine the effectiveness and efficiency of various heating and ventilation systems by virtually testing different diffuser types and locations, as well as supplying air conditions and system control schedules. It can also be successfully used to predict the performance of fans, compressors or pumps, investigate flow, minimize pressure drop in ducts, or optimize heating and cooling equipment.

Predict Wind Loads

Wind forces are an important design parameter for tall buildings, billboards, solar panels, offshore platforms, and other structures, especially at the preliminary design stages. CFD presents a realistic and cost-efficient alternative to experimental testing, allowing architects and civil engineers to test their designs and estimate the bending and the twisting phenomenon on structures without using tabular values from standards and codes.

Optimize Thermal Comfort

Thermal comfort is an important consideration in the design and layout of residential and commercial buildings. Achieving a healthy and comfortable indoor climate for the occupants depends on several factors, including air velocity, temperature, and humidity. All of these can be accurately predicted and analyzed with the help of fluid flow simulation, allowing engineers to visualize the airflow and heat transfer, test different air supply outlets and inlets, and evaluate temperature gradients, air distribution or velocity plots.

Control Air Quality and Contamination

An accurate analysis of airflow in ventilated spaces is critical for achieving healthy conditions in indoor environments. CFD modeling has emerged as a highly promising technology for such assessments, effectively replacing the wind tunnel testing methods that were used in the early days of construction. This innovative approach allows designers to create a smart ventilation strategy, ensuring the efficient removal of high contaminant concentrations in cleanrooms, labs or factories, predicting smoke propagation in underground garages, subway stations or shopping centers, and more.

Improve Energy Efficiency

HVAC systems in numerous facilities—data centers and server rooms in particular—consume far more energy than required, offering considerable potential for optimization. CFD simulation is a versatile tool for predicting the thermal performance of HVAC systems by analyzing the airflow and heat transfer characteristics, which helps engineers accurately identify hidden energy-saving and cost-cutting opportunities. With the ever-rising demands for sustainable HVAC solutions and green buildings, it has become an invaluable design validation technique.

To learn how you, as a designer, engineer, or architect can benefit from virtual prototyping, download this free infographic!